During the month of June several community events take place. This is because these dates go back to the history of the LGBTQIA+ movement beginning in 1969 at the Stonewall revolt in New York. In the early morning of the 28th of June, 1969, a group of LGBTQIA+ people decided to confront the police at a pub that was a meeting place for LGBTQIA+ people. In protest, they were confined inside the pub. During this time, the group gained the support of a crowd of gay men and lesbians outside.
The Centro Médico São Francisco site located in Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil held several activities to celebrate the LGBTQIA+ pride month including engaging with the LGBTQIA+ community throughout June/July 2022.
On June 26, 2022, the team held a round of talks with the Capivara Football Club team about a potential HIV vaccine for prevention, PEP/PrEP, combination HIV prevention, VISP (vaccine-induced seropositivity), distribution of condoms and HIV self-test supplies (made available by the Curitiba Health Department), and the Mosaico Kit (bag, glasses, pen, bracelet, and flyers).The gathering was carried out at the Bola de Meia court, in partnership with Curitiba's Community Advisory Board (CAB).
A similar conversation was also held with the Lycans Volleyball team on June 30, 2022 at the Network Sport Court for Volleyball and Soccer.
CURITIBA PRIDE 2022 was held on June 28th. - Organized by Associação Paranaense da Parada da Diversidade de Curitiba (APPAD), the event had several cultural presentations, presentation of the APPAD team, and the first presentation of the Márcio Marins Award.
MÁRCIO MARINS worked at Atobá Group in Rio de Janeiro before moving to Curitiba in 2005. He became a member of APPAD. In addition, he founded the Dom da Terra AfroLGBTI, was a member of the Forum of the African Matrixes (religious groups of Curitiba and the surrounding area). He served at Brazilian Association of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Intersex People in addition to being active in the Permanent Council of Human Rights of the State of Paraná. Márcio was also recognized as a carnival celebrity in Curitiba, leading carnival groups and samba schools in the capital.
Our site, Centro Médico São Francisco, was awarded for its work and efforts in support of the LGBTI+ community.
Activities continued on July 1, 2022, on the topic "Education for the labor market and entrepreneurship.” The meeting aimed to expand the opportunities for LGBTQIA+ youth, preparing them for the labor market and entrepreneurship, highlighting the importance of education and promotion of human rights. The event was held at LOVE Y GIN bar and was organized by the LGBTI+ National Alliance and the Grupo Dignidade, with support from the Alok institute.
The 5th March For Diversity, "Democracy in All Colors” was organized by Coletivo Cassia, the National LGBTI+ Alliance, the National LGBT Union and the Dignity Group. The march took place on July 3, 2022, at 19 de Dezembro square, and went along Cândido de Abreu until Nossa Senhora da Salette square in Curitiba. The event had a cultural program full of attractions for more than 8 hours, featuring 3 traditional electric car parades, and a stage set up in front of the Iguaçu Palace (headquarters of the government). The Community Education team from the Centro Médico São Francisco site contributed with the delivery of 7 thousand condoms, supplied by the Curitiba Health Secretariat, as well as the Mosaico Study giveaways, bracelets, and sunglasses.
As we have seen, the marches of the LGBTQIA+ movement are historically related to protests for access to citizenship and rights. We have provided some information to help people understand the importance of the fight against homophobia in Brazil.
A survey conducted in 2017 about the LGBT population by the Getúlio Vargas Foundation (FGV), based on data obtained by Dial 100, found that:
- 73% of LGBT students say they have been victims of verbal violence;
- 36% of LGBT students say they have been victims of physical violence.
Furthermore, the reports made by LGBT people show how the group is still a victim of violence. The reports show the percentages of those who had reported one of the following:
- Psychological violence: 35%.
- Discrimination: 35%.
- Physical violence: 20%.
In 2019, LGBTphobia (homophobia) became a crime in Brazil. Through a vote, the Supreme Court decided (8 votes to 3) that discrimination against homosexuals and transgender people is a crime, with a penalty of 1 to 3 years in prison in addition to a fine.